Elle Fanning, known for her ethereal beauty and impressive acting range, has often found herself cast in roles that challenge traditional gender stereotypes. While her filmography boasts a diverse range of characters, this article delves into how Fanning’s performances often subtly subvert the audience’s expectations of how young women should behave, particularly in relation to their male counterparts.
Subverting the Damsel in Distress Trope
One of the most common tropes Fanning tackles head-on is the classic “damsel in distress”. In films like “Super 8,” while her character Alice initially appears vulnerable, she quickly proves to be resourceful and brave, even outsmarting the boys at times.
This theme continues in “Maleficent,” where Fanning plays the iconic Princess Aurora. While the original animated film portrays Aurora as a passive character awaiting rescue, Fanning’s Aurora is presented with more agency. She is compassionate, curious, and ultimately chooses her own destiny, defying the traditional expectations of a fairytale princess.
Complex Relationships and Female Friendships
Fanning’s characters rarely exist solely in relation to their male counterparts. Her films often explore the complexities of female friendships and how they can be just as, if not more, meaningful than romantic relationships.
“The Neon Demon” is a prime example, where Fanning’s character navigates the cutthroat world of modeling, surrounded by both supportive and toxic female relationships that shape her journey. The film challenges the stereotypical portrayal of women as rivals, instead showcasing the nuanced dynamics that exist within female friendships.
Challenging Gender Roles Through Period Pieces
Even within the constraints of historical dramas, Fanning’s characters manage to question societal expectations of women. In “The Beguiled,” set during the Civil War, Fanning plays a seemingly innocent young woman in a Southern girls’ school. However, her character’s seemingly harmless demeanor masks a cunning and manipulative nature, ultimately upending the power dynamics within the story.
Elle Fanning in The Beguiled
This subversive take on traditional gender roles is what makes Elle Fanning such a compelling actress. She consistently chooses roles that offer depth and complexity, reminding audiences that young women are not one-dimensional but rather multifaceted individuals capable of defying expectations.